Newcastle United

The Premier League confirmed that the transfer window, in line with its earlier finish this summer, will start six weeks before it usually does. Opening on Thursday at midnight, top-flight sides will be itching to get deals done before the beginning of the World Cup next month.

Chelsea’s dreadful campaign came to an end at St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon when they were beaten 3-0 by Newcastle United and former boss Rafa Benitez. The Blues will have been hoping the Spaniard could have done them a favour, although the defeat did not ultimately matter, as Liverpool coasted to a 4-0 home win against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has sought to rationalise the defending champions’ poor season as he prepares his team for a final attempt at claiming a top-four finish. The Blues travel to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Sunday before bringing down the curtain on 2017 /18 with the FA Cup final vs Man United next weekend.

Chelsea made no mistake of booking their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a convincing 3-0 win over Newcastle United at the first time of asking. The game was labelled as a potential banana skin for Antonio Conte’s side but two goals from Michy Batshuayi and a fabulous Marcos Alonso free-kick put that beyond doubt.